In 2026, sunscreen formulas labeled as “clean” or “nontoxic” are in demand—and according to dermatologists, branding in this category isn’t mere greenwashing. “While the term ‘nontoxic’ is not strictly regulated, it’s often used to describe sunscreens that avoid certain chemical filters like oxybenzone, homosalate, and octinoxate,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan and New Jersey. “Some consumers prefer this, due to concerns about irritation, allergies, or environmental impact.”
Vogue’s Favorite Nontoxic Sunscreens:
As top brands meet the demand, rolling out clean formulas with modern technologies, nontoxic sunscreens are taking on an increasingly elegant feel. “Many modern mineral sunscreens are designed to blend more easily into the skin and avoid the white cast that older versions were known for,” Dr. Garshick says. “Plus, as consumers become more ingredient-conscious—and the sunscreen market becomes more competitive—brands are focusing on formulas that combine effective UV protection with skin-care benefits.” She notes that antioxidants and hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, are becoming the norm in nontoxic sunscreens.
Which formulas are getting the sun-protection job done—and then some? Ahead, find the nontoxic sunscreens that dermatologists most recommend.
In This Story:
- What is a nontoxic sunscreen?
- Are nontoxic sunscreens as good as traditional sunscreens?
- What to look for in a nontoxic sunscreen
- Is there a 100% natural sunscreen?
- What ingredients should you avoid in sunscreen?
- How We Tested
- Meet the experts
Best Overall: Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen
- Why We Love It: Of all the pros we tapped to weigh in on this piece—and there were many—nearly everyone recommended Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen. There must be something in the formula of this dermatologist-, biochemist-, and facial-plastic-surgeon-approved pick. Let’s break it down. Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, ticks off its attributes: “This is soothing, as it contains aloe vera, and it’s nontoxic for the skin and environment,” she says. “It’s a mineral sunscreen free of harsh chemicals with broad-spectrum coverage.” Aparovich also praises the ingredients. “Featuring a safe mineral filter—zinc oxide—to shield the skin, it provides reliable broad-spectrum protection while rubbing smoothly into your skin,” she says. “A great pick for dry, normal, sensitive, and dehydrated skin, it’s packed with plant-based oils like shea butter and sunflower oil to nourish the skin and protect it from moisture loss.” She adds that it also has aloe barbadensis leaf extract to hydrate and soothe and caprylic/capric triglyceride and squalane to moisturize the skin and strengthen its barrier. Another recommendation comes from Arnold Breitbart, MD, head plastic surgeon at Long Island Facelift. “I’ve used Blue Lizard for years—way before the whole nontoxic sunscreen craze,” he says. “It’s always been one of my go-tos. It offers great sun protection, has no harsh chemicals, and is good on sensitive skin.”
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (titanuim dioxide 8%, zinc oxide 10%)
- Key Ingredients: Organic aloe, shea butter, sunflower oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, squalane
- SPF Level: 50
- Texture: Lotion
- Size: 5 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Filled with ingredients that support the skin barrier | The texture is slightly too thick for some preferences |
Best Skin Tone Adapting: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
- Why We Love It: With tone-adapting pigments, Colorescience’s smart SPF 50 comes in four shades ranging from fair to deep. “Combining skin care and sun protection, this tinted sunscreen adapts to various skin tones and provides a matte finish,” says says Garshick. The mineral sunscreen is cruelty-free, and it’s made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and fragrance. What it does contain is EnviroScreen Technology, a patented defense system that guards the skin against UVA and UVB rays, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation. Pro tip: The brand recommends rubbing the formula between the fingers before applying it to activate its pigments.
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (zinc oxide 12%)
- Key Ingredients: EnviroScreen Technology, iron-oxide pigments
- SPF Level: 50
- Texture: Liquid
- Size: 1.8 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Said to defend against blue light, pollution, and infrared exposure | The tint is slightly too dark for some complexions |
| The formula can take a bit of time to set |
Best for Sensitive Skin: Lesse Every Tone SPF 30 Mineral Facial Sunscreen
- Why We Love It: Designed to blend across skin tones, Lesse’s Every Tone SPF 30 takes a skincare-first approach to sun protection. Infused with botanical antioxidants—including Australian superfruits like riberry and pepperberry—the minimalist formula supports a calm, balanced complexion. As Rayva Khanna, MD, a dermatology resident at Georgetown University Medical Center, explains: “This is a mineral-based sunscreen formulated with zinc oxide, which provides broad-spectrum UV protection against both UVA and UVB while being gentle on the skin and supportive of the skin barrier.” She adds that its antioxidant ingredients have “a soothing effect” on sensitive and reactive skin. The sunscreen is also enriched with vitamin E and nourishing oils.
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (zinc oxide ~17%)
- Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, aloe, buriti fruit oil, riberry and pepperberry extracts, vitamin E
- SPF Level: 30
- Texture: Cream
- Size: 1.7 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Blends well across most skin tones | Some with deeper skin tones report a subtle cast without thorough blending |
| Hydrating and packed with antioxidants | Can feel heavy if too much is applied |
Best Sunscreen Serum: Kora Organics Silky Sun Drops
- Why We Love It: Kora Organics’s Silky Sun Drops do double duty as sun protection and glow-booster. “Kora Organics doubles as a sunscreen and skincare,” Dr. Khanna says. “The zinc oxide in the formula provides protection from UV radiation, while the combination of oils like chia seed oil and sunflower seed oil helps hydrate the skin and provide barrier support.” She notes that the formula also has antioxidant protection with raspberry seed oil, which provides additional protection against environmental stress. With a serum-like texture, the formula layers seamlessly under makeup, and delivers a dewy finish.
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (zinc oxide 17%)
- Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, chia seed oil, sunflower seed oil, raspberry seed oil, ectoine
- SPF Level: 30
- Texture: Serum
- Size: 1 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Layers seamlessly under makeup | Can feel a bit slick on those with oily skin |
| Dewy finish pleases those who prefer a glow | Some users prefer a more matte finish |
Best Korean: Peach & Lily Sun Cover Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA+++
- Why We Love It: K-beauty brand Peach & Lily introduced two SPF 30 PA+++ sunscreens in March. The mineral offering, made with non-nano zinc oxide, was designed for sensitive skin and comfortable wear. The sunscreen is packed with barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, squalane, niacinamide, and aloe. Plus, it has something that other sunscreen brands don’t: Peach & Lily’s proprietary Oxidative Defense Complex. The blend of green tea, panthenol, and bisabolol defends against oxidative stress, while another exclusive ingredient—ZincSync Tint Technology—helps minimize white cast.
- Editor’s Experience: “I’ve been using it for the past few weeks and can attest to its cushiony, hydrating feel on the skin; I actually look forward to the refreshing feel of it each morning.” —Jenny Berg, contributor
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (zinc oxide 15.98%)
- Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Oxidative Defense Complex (green tea, portulaca, panthenol, bisabolol), ceramides, squalane, niacinamide, aloe, ZincSync Tint Technology
- SPF Level: 30 PA+++
- Texture: Cream
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Blends smoothly with a cushiony feel | Those with deeper skin tones report a slight white cast if not properly blended |
Best Antioxidant-Rich: Le Prunier Plumscreen SPF 31
- Why We Love It: Thanks to its hero ingredient, Le Prunier’s SPF 31 sunscreen is actually called Plumscreen. The brand’s signature Plum Superfruit Complex—infused with antioxidant-rich oil and extract derived from farm-fresh plums—locks in moisture and supports collagen production. The formula leans on non-nano zinc oxide for sun protection, and it also contains moisturizing brown-seaweed extract and glycerin. With a silky, lightweight texture, the product is accepted by the National Eczema Association, and its ingredients are dermatologist-approved. Gretchen W. Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist, previously told Vogue: “The plum oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that support the lipid barrier and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.”
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (non-nano zinc oxide 4.7%)
- Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, Plum Superfruit Complex (plum seed oil, plum extract, hydrolyzed plum extract), zonaria tournefortii extract, glycerin
- SPF Level: 31
- Texture: Lightweight cream
- Size: 2 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Silky | Lightweight texture |
| May pill when layered with makeup or other products |
Best Vegan: Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30
- Why We Love It: “This Grown Alchemist SPF is not only nontoxic, it is a vegan formulation,” says Dr. Greenfield. “It uses natural ingredients such as rose-hip oil, castor-seed oil, lavender oil, coconut oil, and calendula for a hydrating and smooth application.” But moisturizing the skin isn’t its only capability. “This also has almost 20% zinc oxide for a tested and strong SPF,” Dr. Greenfield adds. The zinc oxide in question is ultra-sheer, so it vanishes into the skin without a trace; hence, the brand describes this hydrating salve as “invisible natural protection.”
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (zinc oxide 19%)
- Key Ingredients: Castor-seed oil, rose-hip-seed oil, lavender oil, parsley-seed oil, candelilla wax, coconut oil
- SPF Level: 30
- Texture: Lightweight cream
- Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Lightweight, non-greasy texture | Not as resistant to water and sweat as some other formulas |
| Hydrating formula |
Best Value: Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 50
- Why We Love It: According to Dr. Day, “Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 offers a practical, cost-effective solution for daily sun protection, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin.” She adds that Vanicream is a long-standing leader in hypoallergenic skin care and is known to formulate its sunscreens without common irritants. “This makes this product a dependable option for my eczema and psoriasis patients seeking broad-spectrum SPF in a well-tolerated, affordable moisturizer,” she notes.
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (zinc oxide 19.5%)
- Key Ingredients: squalane, glycerin, ceramides
- SPF Level: 30
- Texture: Lotion
- Size: 2.5 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Gentle enough for sensitive skin | It doesn’t contain as many skincare-forward actives as some other formulas |
Best for a Glow: Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
- Why We Love It: Ideal as a makeup base, Kosas’s hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested formula can also be worn on its own to revive the skin with a hint of dewy tint. “Mineral-filter based, this formula is still easy to apply and reapply quickly and evenly, thanks to a peachy-pink tint that helps neutralize the typical bluish-white cast of zinc oxide,” Dr. Aparovich says. (In addition to the pinkish original hue, the formula comes in the warm, golden Sunlit shade.) “While protecting your skin from sun damage, the smart formula also blends skin-care ingredients like ceramides, peptides, galactoarabinan, bioflavonoids, allantoin, and glycoproteins,” Dr. Aparovich continues. “These moisturize and comfort the skin and support its protective barrier throughout UV exposure.” She adds that the sunscreen works for dry and normal skin types and is also suitable for sensitive skin. Pro tip: If using it as a makeup base, let the product dry for three to five minutes before layering it with other products.
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (non-nano zinc oxide 21.7%)
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, allantoin, hyaluronic acid
- SPF Level: 40
- Texture: Fluid
- Size: 1.3 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Sheer, weightless finish | The finish is too luminous for some oilier skin types |
| Leaves skin with a subtle, natural glow |
Best for Irritated Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen
- Why We Love It: “I love this La Roche-Posay sunscreen because it’s gentle enough for the face, strong enough for the body, and packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, and botanical extracts that calm skin without compromising protection from the sun,” says Dr. Day. An expert in eczema and psoriasis, she adds that the formula is soothing on skin that’s irritated from either condition. With a lightweight, fluid texture, the sunscreen sinks right into the skin, drying with a matte finish. It’s enriched with a bit of proprietary magic too: La Roche-Posay’s Cell-Ox Shield technology combines UVA and UVB filters with antioxidant sun protection from tropical-leaf extracts. The brand’s signature ingredient—thermal spring water from the French town La Roche-Posay—is also present in the formula, bringing a soothing touch.
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (titanium dioxide 6%, zinc oxide 5%)
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, botanical extracts, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
- SPF Level: 50
- Texture: Fluid
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes | It’s primarily focused on sun protection, and doesn’t contain as many active ingredients as some skincare-sunscreen hybrids |
| Made with antioxidant-rich thermal spring water |
Best Tinted: EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen
- Why We Love It: Ideal for sensitive skin, this tinted face sunscreen blurs imperfections in a range of skin tones while infusing the skin with health-boosting antioxidants. With zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, “this offers 100% mineral sun protection,” Dr. Day says. “The inclusion of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E helps maintain skin hydration and reduce oxidative stress, while iron oxides provide added protection against visible light.” She adds that protection from high-energy visible light (or HEV) is key for patients with pigmentation concerns or photosensitive conditions.
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (zinc oxide 13.5%, titanium dioxide 4.4%)
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, iron oxides
- SPF Level: 50
- Texture: Lotion
- Size: 1.7 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Antioxidant-rich formula | Though the formula is fragrance-free, some detect a slight scent |
| Tinted formula evens out skin tone |
Best Sunscreen fluid: Avène Mineral Sunscreen Multi-Defense Fluid SPF 50+
- Why We Love It: “This offers optimal SPF 50+ broad-spectrum protection in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that blends into the skin, leaving no white cast, greasiness, or sticky residue,” Aparovich says. “It’s also enriched with several skin-loving ingredients that help defend the skin against the harmful effects of UV exposure, including tocopherol (vitamin E) for hydration and antioxidant support, bisabolol and allantoin to soothe and calm, and niacinamide to brighten and target pigmentation.” The sheer, lightweight fluid is also a go-to for Dr. Garshick, who notes: “This mineral sunscreen offers high protection with a lightweight texture, suitable for daily use on sensitive skin.”
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (zinc oxide 12%)
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, bisbolol, allantoin, niacinamide
- SPF Level: 50
- Texture: Lightweight fluid
- Size: 1.3 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-free | Some users find the finish slightly too dewy |
| Lightweight texture |
Best Lightweight: Fig. 1 Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide
- Why We Love It: Dermatologist-developed and clinically tested. Fig. 1’s mineral sunscreen has a stamp of approval from Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “This is an all-mineral SPF without a white cast, and it absorbs quickly,” she says, moving on to praise its ingredients. “Sea-algae derivatives offer DNA repair while hyaluronic acid and glycerin hydrate the skin. Squalane, triglycerides, and meadowfoam-seed oil support the skin barrier, and bisabolol soothes the skin.” With a milky texture, the sunscreen blends into the skin with an undetectable finish, and the product is fragrance-free.
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (18.76% zinc oxide)
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, sea-algae extract
- SPF Level: 50
- Texture: Milky fluid
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Layers well under makeup | The texture may feel too rich for some skin types |
| Reef-safe | |
| Hydrating formula |
Best Certified Organic: Forah Everyday Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
- Why We Love It: Like the Erewhon smoothie of sunscreens, Forah’s SPF 30 formula blends a cocktail of antioxidant-packed ingredients—think organic sea buckthorn oil, organic cold-pressed golden jojoba oil, and organic sweet almond oil—that almost sound good enough to drink. (Please don’t, though.) Dr. Greenfield can hardly get enough of the luxurious, chicly packaged sun protection, which is also loaded with collagen-boosting botanical extracts. “It’s certified organic, which I love,” she says. “It has both zinc and titanium dioxide along with antioxidants, natural-based oils, and seaweed extract, which hydrate and protect the skin. It’s also free from nanoparticles, harsh chemicals, and dyes.” Plus, with a silky, creamy texture that melts into the skin, the complexion-nourishing sunscreen wears like a dream.
- Chemical or Physical: Physical (non-nano zinc oxide 10%, non-nano titanium dioxide 7%)
- Key Ingredients: Organic sea buckthorn oil, organic cold-pressed golden jojoba oil, organic sweet almond oil, seaweed extract, biodynamic avocado oil
- SPF Level: 30
- Texture: Silky cream
- Size: 2.87 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Includes squalane and other ingredients to support the skin barrier | Might leave a slight whitecast on some deeper skintones if not blended properly |
Everything You Need to Know
What is a nontoxic sunscreen?
“There is no formal definition that qualifies something as nontoxic, but when it comes to sunscreens, it generally refers to those that don’t contain ingredients like oxybenzone or other chemical filters,” Dr. Garshick explains.
Aparovich, whose role as a biochemist at OnSkin involves safety analysis of cosmetic formulas, dives in deeper. “Nontoxic refers to a sunscreen containing no components that can be potentially detrimental to human health from the overall formulation perspective. It means that neither UV filters nor any auxiliary ingredients—such as stabilizers, emulsifiers, film-forming agents, preservatives, or fragrances—can induce known or suspected hazards, including skin irritation and sensitization, allergic reactions, endocrine disruptions, genotoxicity, and more,” she explains.
While it’s commonly thought that, in sunscreens, nontoxic refers to mineral sunscreens only, Aparovich dispels the myth. “From a human-safety standpoint, sunscreen formulas may include both mineral (physical) and/or organic (chemical) filters, with no adverse effects associated with them,” she stipulates.
Are nontoxic sunscreens as good as traditional sunscreens?
“Mineral or nontoxic sunscreens are just as effective as traditional sunscreens when used correctly,” says Dr. Day. “For my patients with eczema or psoriasis, I actually prefer them. They’re less likely to cause stinging, burning, or flares and provide excellent broad-spectrum protection.” Just like any sunscreen, she says, nontoxic ones need to be applied generously and reapplied often, especially after sweating or swimming.
What to Look for in a Nontoxic Sunscreen
Overall, Aparovich advocates looking for a sunscreen formula suited to an individual’s skin type. “People with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin should opt for products free from comedogenic ingredients to avoid clogging pores and triggering inflammation, blackheads, or breakouts,” she says. These ingredients include cacao, palm, coconut, and wheat-germ oils and chemicals like acetylated lanolin alcohol, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl linoleate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl palmitate, myristyl lactate, myristyl myristate, laureth-4, oleyl alcohol, and ethylhexyl palmitate.
“These are the ingredients with the highest comedogenicity rate,” she says. People with dry or sensitive skin should avoid harsh alcohols, such as alcohol, alcohol denat, ethanol, or SD alcohol, Aparovich adds. “These ingredients can compromise the skin’s barrier and cause irritation.” Additionally, she notes that an ideal nontoxic sunscreen should provide broad-spectrum protection to shield the skin from UVA and UVB rays and help reduce the risk of complex DNA damage in skin cells.
“Another key point is sunscreen’s sun protection factor, or SPF,” she says. “It indicates how effectively sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB rays, the ultraviolet light associated with sunburn.” Aparovich recommends choosing sunscreens with at least SPF 30 but ideally SPF 50, especially when the UV index is three or higher.
Is there a 100% natural sunscreen?
“Technically, there are sunscreens that claim to be 100% natural, but that term isn’t regulated,” Dr. Day says. “What matters more is that the product is clinically tested, well tolerated by sensitive skin, and free of known irritants.”
What ingredients should you avoid in sunscreen?
“Three of the most hazardous chemical filters to avoid are oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), homosalate, and octinoxate,” says Aparovich. “Studies have shown oxybenzone to be a common allergen, as well as an irritant to the eyes and skin, and a potential endocrine disruptor.” She adds that homosalate and octinoxate are linked to possible adverse effects on the endocrine system and that all three ingredients have been shown to have a negative impact on marine life and coral reefs. Additionally, Aparovich recommends avoiding formaldehyde-releasing preservatives like imidazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15, and diazolidinyl urea, along with fragrances classified as allergenic, such as cinnamal, citral, farnesol, coumarin, eugenol, geraniol, and others. “These chemicals can trigger allergic reactions and skin irritation,” she notes. Dr. Garshick recommends seeking paraben-free products, as the ingredient can irritate some skin types.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to nontoxic sunscreens, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, SPF type, texture, packaging, finish, and the skin-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet The Experts
- Valerie Aparovich is a certified cosmetologist, aesthetician, and biochemist at OnSkin.
- Arnold Breitbart, MD, is the head plastic surgeon at Long Island Facelift.
- Rachel Day, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the chief medical officer at Zest Health, a virtual dermatology clinic specializing in eczema and psoriasis.
- Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist serving patients in Manhattan, New York, and Englewood, New Jersey.
- Nava Greenfield, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City
- Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
- Rayva Khanna, MD, is a dermatology resident at Georgetown University Medical Center.
